Opinion | India’s role in global peace keeping & diplomacy

With its historical legacy, troop commitments, and diplomatic agility, India remains a resonant force for peace and stability worldwide.

India has long been a vital force in global peacekeeping and diplomacy, drawing on its deep-rooted commitment to peace, its strategic position in the world, and its active engagement in international bodies like the United Nations. In peacekeeping, India stands out as the largest contributor of troops to UN missions, having sent over 253,000 personnel to 49 of the 72 operations since 1948. As of early 2025, around 5,900 Indian troops are serving in 12 missions, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Sudan and Lebanon, where they protect civilians, disarm fighters, and support fragile peace processes. The cost of this commitment is evident in the sacrifice of over 160 Indian soldiers, the highest toll of any nation, reflecting a resolve that endures despite the risks. India has also broken new ground, deploying the first all-women police unit to Liberia in 2007, a move that not only ensured security but also empowered local women in the security sector, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to gender in peacekeeping. Beyond their mandates, Indian peacekeepers often provide medical care, veterinary support, and infrastructure aid—whether treating civilians in South Sudan or helping cattle herders—demonstrating a humanitarian ethos that extends their impact. Indian leadership shines through as well, with figures like Lt. Gen. Satish Nambiar, who commanded forces in Yugoslavia, and Major Radhika Sen, recognized in 2023 for her gender advocacy work in Congo, exemplifying the expertise India brings to these efforts.

On the diplomatic front, India complements its peacekeeping with a robust presence, emphasizing dialogue, non-violence, and the concerns of the Global South. Its belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family—underpins its approach, seen vividly when Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Vladimir Putin in 2022 that “today’s era is not of war,” a call for peace amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict that positioned India as a potential mediator. Leaders from places like Mexico have even suggested India could broker such talks, a testament to its neutral yet influential stance. India has become a megaphone for developing nations, using its 2021–2022 UN Security Council term to highlight maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism while pushing for reforms to address global inequities. Its G20 presidency in 2023 furthered this, focusing on digital progress, climate action, and food security, cementing its role in inclusive governance. India’s persistent demand for a permanent UN Security Council seat ties into this, arguing that its economic weight, vast population, and peacekeeping record warrant a stronger voice—a bid to make global decision-making fairer. Outside the UN, India engages through SAARC, ASEAN, and the Quad, building cooperation on security and development, enhancing its diplomatic reach.

India weaves its peacekeeping and diplomacy together seamlessly, amplifying its global influence. Its peacekeepers spread cultural goodwill—think yoga sessions in Lebanon—while its disaster relief, like medical teams rushed to Goma or Juba in 2020, strengthens ties worldwide. Strategically, India’s ability to maintain ties with both Western powers and Russia lets it bridge divides, a skill evident in its balanced take on ongoing conflicts. Yet challenges persist: some UN missions suffer from weak mandates or delayed resources, testing India’s efforts, while its beyond its peacekeeping contributions, India’s diplomatic efforts focus on sustainable development and mediating complex conflicts, positioning it as a pivotal player in fostering a more peaceful and equitable world order. As its global stature rises, so do expectations for leadership, pushing India to bolster its diplomatic and military capacities. With its historical legacy, troop commitments, and diplomatic agility, India remains a resonant force for peace and stability worldwide.
Author can be reached on syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com